Worldwide Impact: Humanitarian Aid Organizations Warn of Budget Cuts

"Less and less life-saving aid is reaching Sudan, the Gaza Strip, and other often long-lasting and forgotten crises," said Wank at the opening event of the "Convoy of Humanity" at the United Nations Square. Andrea Reisinger, Head of International Disasters and Crises at the Austrian Red Cross, appealed to the government: "Austrian foreign policy must take an unequivocal stance on the adherence to the rules of war." For humanitarian workers are repeatedly killed in action - in recent months, 31 colleagues from the Palestinian Red Crescent were among them while trying to help others. "How much longer should we watch as international humanitarian law is eroded?" asked Reisinger.

NGOs: Government Should Adhere to 0.7 Percent Target

Erich Fenninger, Managing Director of Volkshilfe, called for adherence to the 0.7 percent target - the commitment to spend 0.7 percent of gross national income on development aid. He highlighted the valuable work of civil society organizations and their volunteers. "They initiate necessary reforms to reduce inequalities in the long term and ensure the well-being of all people as well as a livable environment. However, because this important work is under immense pressure worldwide, we need more than ever an Austrian government that stands for a policy of humanity and adheres to the 0.7 percent target," said Fenninger.

The consistent fight against the climate crisis is also a prerequisite for a livable environment, emphasized Katharina Lehner, Head of Diakonie Disaster Relief. "Natural disasters occur much more frequently and intensely today than in the past and cause great suffering." Jacqueline Bungart, Humanitarian Aid Expert at "Light for the World," pointed to the responsibility of Austrian politics in the fight against global crises. "'Light for the World' welcomes that the relevant strategies (Austria's Humanitarian Aid Strategy and the three-year program of Austrian development policy) aim to promote the support of disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the Global South and crisis areas more strongly. Crises hit them many times harder, which is why the work of Austrian NGOs and their local partners particularly targets women, children, people with disabilities, as well as the elderly and sick people."

Long-Term Secured Financing for Humanitarian Aid

Andreas Knapp, Secretary General of International Programs at Caritas Austria, appealed: "Austria now has the opportunity to prove itself as a reliable and credible partner in times of crisis. A decisive factor for this is long-term secured financing to effectively implement development and humanitarian strategies. We call on the government - especially Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) - to stop budget cuts and increase funds in view of global crises." She should also win other donor countries for this path.

(APA/Red.)

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